Austin’s Ultimate Barbecue Pilgrimage

Locals Know BBQ Food Tour Fires Up the Smokers

Photos Baptiste Despois

There are two kinds of people in Texas: those who think they know good barbecue and those who’ve taken the Locals Know BBQ Food Tour. This deep dive culinary exploration fast tracks barbecue education for lovers-of-
everything-local by solving the dilemma that every barbecue fanatic faces. How do you sample all the menus these legendary places are known for in just three days—in one single weekend?

The Locals Know BBQ experience doesn’t just give tour-goers the luxury of skipping the wrap-around-the building-lines; it also allows guests to indulge specialties that are often the first to sell out at these locations on any given day. And forget three days; this tour packs in a massive amount of food in just three hours—the same amount of time barbecue aficionados stand in line at one single location.

This immersive journey through East Austin’s legendary smoke-soaked scene isn’t just a food tour—it’s a three-hour odyssey of mouth-watering meats, stories, and serious flavor complementing the coveted cuts.

Launched by the team behind EASTside ATX Magazine, Locals Know BBQ Food Tour is the first of its kind. This tour offers a curated tasting experience at some of the most critically-acclaimed barbecue joints in the state and a few other eateries that are notoriously known for their long lines. But the best part is there are no lines, no guesswork—just a seat in a cool, comfy van.

This isn’t your average food crawl. It’s a story-driven, belly-filling, van-escorted experience where you’ll not only taste some of the best barbecue in the country—you’ll also hear the stories behind it. From immigrant chefs fusing global flavors with oak-smoked tradition to second-generation pitmasters reinventing the craft one sausage link at a time, every stop is seasoned with history, heritage, and serious heat.

The crusade kicks off with a tender brisket and bread combo to whet the appetite, setting the tone for what’s to come. From there, tour-goers are whisked across East Austin to visit names that grace the pages of Texas Monthly and Southern Living, the screens of Food Network and Netflix, and even places graced by Michelin Guide recognition.

Stops include la Barbecue, a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ mainstay known for fiery sausages and bark-crusted brisket; Micklethwait Craft Meats, where handmade everything meets top-tier smoking techniques; and KG BBQ, a global flavor detour where Middle Eastern spices meet Central Texas tradition. Add in Mum Foods’ pastrami praised by USA Today, the rising star power of Parish Barbecue, and you’ve got a tour that reads like a greatest-hits album of Texas barbecue itself.

But it isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about who put it there. Along the way, you’ll hear the personal stories of the pitmasters who built these barbecue empires, the heritage behind the recipes, and what influenced the barbecue culture as we know it today.

With only 6 to 14 guests per tour, the vibe is intimate. There’s no walking in the heat, no mile-long lines—just a comfy ride, cold drinks, and one unforgettable bite after another, with an optional Elevated Drink Package for those who want to pair smoked meat with a little local brew.

It’s no wonder that Yelp just named Austin the #1 Barbecue City in the U.S. It’s what locals have been singing for years. All we can say, “It’s about damn time!” Grab your appetite and stretchy pants. Bring your hat and to-go containers. It’s time to hop on EASTside ATX’s Locals Know BBQ train and fall in love with East Austin—one smoky bite at a time.

Know Before You Go: